Nee, Katrina Wong Suen
(2015)
Comparison of the physiological, psychological &
genetic traits
between sprinters & non-athletes.
Project Report.
Pusat Pengajian Sains Kesihatan, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
(Submitted)
Abstract
Studies showed that genes are vital in explaining the differences in athletic performance
as it is accountable to approximately 50% of the variability in physical performance while
current findings in the relationship between genetics and sports seemed to be encouraging.
ACTN3 genotypes may be vital in determining an athlete’s potential in power sports. The aim of
this study is to identify the similarities and differences between the physiological, psychological
and genetic perspective of sprinters and non-athletes.
This is a cross-sectional research design. Nineteen participants were recruited and were
randomized into two groups; sprint (>7=10) and non-athletes (n=9). Each participant underwent 3
sessions of testing and evaluations for a duration of 3 weeks, with approximately one-week of
wash-out period in between. Tests completed by the participants are the mental toughness
(MT18) questionnaire, recovery-stress questionnaire for athletes, isokinetic dynamometer
strength test, Wingate anaerobic test, body composition profiling, genotyping (using blood sample collection) and VO2 max test. The participants’ performance scores were recorded in
each session.
Results showed no significant differences in body fat percentages (Z = 1.886; df=l 7; p -
0.077) between sprinters and non-athletes. The results for the Wingate Anaerobic Test showed
significant differences of mean power (/=4.811, df=l 7,/?=0.001) and mean peak power (Z=4.054,
df= 11.515, /?=0.002) between the two groups. However, there was no significant differences in
comparing the mean fatigue index between the sprinters and the non-athletes (Z=1.700, df= 17,
/?=0.107).
The mean flexibility of the non-athletes and sprinters are 27.3(6.46) and 38.8(7.80)
respectively with results showing a positive significance in flexibility between the two groups
(z=3.450, df= 17, p=0.003). A significance in the difference was also obtained between all the
measures of the isokinetic strength test with an exception of the 60°/s Extension Average
Power(W) (Z=3.565, df= 17, /?=0.002) and 60% Extension Average Power(W) test (Z=1.957, df=
17,/?=0.067). A significant result is also obtained in measuring the difference in the participant's
maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 Max) between the non-athletes and sprinters (Z=2.970, df=
17,77=0.009).
The mental toughness between sprinters and non-athletes showed positive significance
(p=0.023) whereas in the participants’ stress-recovery state, the results showed no significance in
all the subscales measured with an exception of sleep quality (Z=2.204, df=17, 79=0.042),
disturbed breaks (Z=2.147, df=17, /?=0.046), and self-regulation (Z=2.159, df=l 5.186, t?=0.023)
subscales.
In conclusion, there is a significant difference in the characteristics among physiological.
psychological and genetic difference between the sprinters and non-athletes.
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